In this section, we are going to focus on setting up a ZBF using a Cisco IOS router. Before we begin, let's discuss the ZBF and its benefits. When we hear the word firewall, we usually think it's a dedicated appliance sitting on the network. This is true, however, Cisco's Integrated Service Routers (ISRs) has the ability to perform many more tasks than just routing. One main feature is the firewall aspect, which allows the router to not only forward packets but become a ZBF. This is convenient for companies that may not have the budget or need for a dedicated firewall appliance but would like to maximize the benefits of the Cisco ISR.
To determine whether a router supports the ZBF features and functionality, you can use the Cisco Feature Navigator (https://www.cisco.com/go/fn).
With a ZBF, each interface is assigned to a Zone, either...